The significance of Shakur Brown’s commitment to Michigan State, and the recent flurry of cut lists

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Finally, a commitment from a player at Woodland High in Stockbridge, Ga. One of Brown’s classmates, cornerback Yusuf Corker, opted to commit to Kentucky over the Spartans in December. Another, 4-star junior tackle James Ohonba, did not include Michigan State in his top four after picking up an offer.

With Brown’s decision, it’s better late than never. Michigan State brings back Josh Butler, Vayante Copeland, T.J. Harrell, Justin Layne and Tyson Smith at cornerback. Smith recently shared that he suffered a stroke last year, bringing into question his ability to compete in 2017. Michigan State declined comment on his health, per university policy.

So depth is an issue. Early enrollee Josiah Scott is in position to start in 2017, and he’ll be joined by fellow incoming freshman cornerbacks Emmanuel Flowers, Tre Person and Brown. Brown is another competitor who will have a chance to see the field early.

Additionally, the pickup helps build on Michigan State’s presence in Georgia. The Spartans have multiple coaches (namely running backs coach Dave Warner and wide receivers coach Terrence Samuel) recruiting the Atlanta area, and they’ve found success in the secondary more than any other position group. Brown, Person and 2018 cornerback commit Chris Jackson all come from the area.

In a spring marked by unexpected departures and tumult, Brown’s commitment was an important one.

Cut list season

May has turned to June. In-school recruiting visits have ceased. Now top prospects will look to cut down their hefty offer lists.

You probably haven’t heard Ronnie Walker’s name in awhile. There hasn’t been much action in the 4-star Hopewell (Va.) running back‘s recruitment by Michigan State since the Spartans offered on Jan. 26. Nevertheless, he included the Spartans in his top 10 on Monday.

It’s not a major advancement, but Walker did omit some significant offers: Cincinnati, Vanderbilt and Wake Forest, to name a few. Michigan State’s presence is a good sign, as Walker is the No. 17 running back in the 2018 class.

Additionally, Michigan State made the cut for Blake Zubovic, a 3-star offensive lineman who picked up an offer on May 6. The Spartans joined Maryland, Penn State, Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech in his top five.

It will be tough to pull the Belle Vernon (Pa.) junior away from his home state. Penn State and Pittsburgh, should they continue to have room for him, will be favorites. It’s yet another battle between former Michigan State defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi (Pitt’s coach) and the Spartans.

Did we mention Narduzzi? Well, it’s Pitt against Michigan State for a commitment from 3-star Deerfield Beach (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) linebacker Kenny Bastida, who announced that he’ll make a decision between the Panthers and Spartans.

Bastida ranks as the No. 3 linebacker in Florida. Michigan State currently has one LB commitment in 2018: 3-star Olentangy Liberty (Powell, Ohio) junior Edward Warinner.

Spartans’ latest to offer Georgia sophomore

The state of Georgia hasn’t just been a top priority for Michigan State in the 2018 class. The Spartans have also been looking even further into the future there with offers to freshmen and sophomores.